The Wildcats are anxious to avoid a repeat and want to let their performance do the talking after several weeks of hearing people ask what's wrong.

"We had great practices coming out here, and before this, and I think we're ready," said guard Corey Fisher.

"We're not going to talk. We're just going to prove ourselves. We know how good we are, and that's really all that matters."

Fisher, who has been bothered recently by knee tendinitis, is one of several Wildcats who have battled nagging injuries in recent weeks. Guard Corey Stokes has had hamstring and toe problems. Forward Mouphtaou Yarou took a nasty fall in the Big East tournament loss to South Florida and bruised his shoulder.

But the 10 days between games could be just what the Wildcats need to prove they still have what it takes.

"We're healthy now," said Fisher. "My knee started bothering me toward the end of the year. We've been playing hurt, making no excuses."

GMU has also had some players dinged up, including guards Andre Cornelius and Luke Hancock, but everybody has been practicing, and coach Jim Larranaga said he was happy with his team's status.

"The guys are in very good shape, mentally and pretty good shape, physically," he said. "Chances are, I think, our guys will play very hard and very well. There won't be any excuses, that's for sure."

He downplayed Villanova's slump, saying it's probably no more meaningful now than GMU's 16-game winning streak, which ended in the Colonial Athletic Association semifinals.

"It's really not as significant as people would make it out to be, especially when you look at who they lost to," Larranaga said. "Four of their losses were to teams in the top 25. If two really good teams play, you know what, one of them is going to lose."

Wildcats coach Jay Wright said his team's early ouster last year could serve as a reminder to his players of what this time of year is all about.

"I think they realize how fragile all this is and how to appreciate every moment," Wright said. "This senior class, in their first year, went to a Sweet 16, and it was kind of a satisfying Sweet 16. Then they went to a Final Four, and I think they kind of felt like it just happens. You come to Villanova, and it just happens.

"And I think last year they learned it doesn't just happen. … And I do think this team is coming into this tournament with a great appreciation for being here and a respect for the process of preparing all the things we're doing. It's a very business-like attitude. I really like that, and I've liked that about this team all year. The fact that everybody has stuck together, and we're in the NCAA tournament, and they're fired up about playing and our team is confident in what we do — that's what I'm excited about."

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